The Last Kingdom

[Lady_Siren]

Avallyn thought for a moment not sure of the exact number of her people. Looking to the king "My people are about twice as many as yours. Normally Amazon tribes consist of only women but mine also consists of men as well. The only difference is my best warriors are female. I'm sure you have heard of the Silver Sisters" a smile formed across her face happy with the king. "All I need is a signed treaty as well as you know. And I can have a suitable army ready in no time"

 

[Citizen X]

Suddenly, the crow left the shoulder of the stranger and flew over to the new "hero". It landed right before him and sdtarred in his eyes. Then it flew back to its owner and landed on its place. The stranger left his seat and walked over to the newcomer. He put his right hand on his shoulder and the newcomer turned slowly around and waited for the stranger's next action. The stranger moved his right hand up and the mascerade of the newcomer vanished for a second. The others couldn't see this happen, but the stranger smiled and with a deep voice he said:

"It's a long time we didn't meet my friend. Or should I say my enemy?"

Then, the stranger turned around and looked in the faces of Karrack and Vixen, who obviously didn't had any idea what was going on. He smiled knowing and adressed the Commander of the Hawks.

"I'm happy you remember me, my friend. The last time, we met was not very helpful to build up friendship between both of us. Nevertheless I know that you are very occupied in fighting against the united troops of all who hate man. Well, I've come around to tell you my price. If you're willing to pay I'm going to help you're little army, otherwise I search for someone else who pays my price."

With the smile of someone who knows the other can't reject this offer, the stranger went back to where Vixen and Karrack sat. While waiting for the commander to reply, he observes the faces of Vixen and Karrack. Then he smiled and got on his knees. With a charming gesture he bowed and said:

"Always a pleasure to meet such a charming young women. But isn't it a bit early to leave home for such children like you and your little friend? Why are you kids around here?"

The stranger stood up and smiled awaiting anyone to answer his questions.

 

[poohlive]

"GRANDPA!!!" Garret looked up from the horses mount as he saw the small cabin emerge into his view. He hadn't even noticed the trail until just now. The horse broke into a small gallop as he finished the distance.
"Grandpa," he called out again jumping off the gray mare. The door of the cabin opened revealing an old man. His head full with silvery hair that twinkled in the afternoon sun. His long flowing robe covered his body, except for his head which he wore rather dignified.
"Garret, Garret come in."
Garret gave his grandfather a huge hug, letting himself get lost in that huge robe of his. Somehow everything felt better now. It did, it always did. Honestly, he had only been up to his Grandfather's three times in his life. Each time he came up here though, he felt good, safe, peaceful with life.
"Come on inside, there's much to talk about."
Garret walked through the door looking at the assortment of things Grandpa had. Many weapons lined the walls and tables. In one corner there were books and scrolls piled up nearly to the ceiling. From the look of the candle wax trails that ran down the desk and made a huge puddle on the floor.
A huge fireplace took up most of the south side, where a corridor met bedrooms. A small stove was near the fireplace for meals, and numerous chairs made a circle in the middle of the room. It was just how he remembered it.
"Grandpa, how did you know where I was?"
Grandpa looked over at the desk, a small pink ball was on it. It had been glowing fully since they came in, but now, since all eyes were on it, it began pulsing. A birght pink changing to a darker pink. Grandpa walked over to the desk, bringing it to him.
"This is a color."
Garret looked at him confused, "A color?"
"Of the rainbow. I had to travel all the way to the other side of the rainbow to capture it. It wasn't easy, but I finally did. It's a shame I couldn't help your mother though. But you're here, that's the only important thing."
There was something about what he said that didn't make sense. He spoke of Garret's mother, but wouldn't that be his daughter? Garret was going to ask when Grandpa held the ball up in his hands.
"This, I want you to have. It'll help you on your journey."
Garret took the ball, unwillingly,"I don't understand, you said it was a color."
"Oh yes, it is," Grandpa gave it to him, and sat back down on the desk, "It's the color pink, from the rainbow. I had to capture it in this glass ball. It can tell the future."
Garret looked at it in his hands, it pulsed a bright pink.
"A scroll talks about capturing a piece of the rainbow," a pile of scrolls fell to the floor, randomly he picked on up, "Here is it. If you capture it just right, you are allowed one question a day. Ask about anything, an upcoming battle, which path to take in the road, anything, and it will tell you the truth."
Tha ball in his hands took on a new meaning. He held it more carefully now, feeling it's smooth surface.
"You may only ask one question. If you ask more, the ball becomes addictive, and then it consumes you, and will destroy you."
A calculated evil, Garret quickly put it away in his knapsack. He made sure it was stuffed away in his clothes. A slight pause as Grandpa kept reading. He then looked up rather abruptly.
"Is there something else you need?"
Garret didn't understand the question.
"What do you mean?"
"Do you need anything else for your journey? I have just about anything, just ask."
"Wait a minute, what journey? Why am I going on a journey?"
Grandpa sighed loudly, "There's a terrible evil coming through the land. You need to protect it."
"But why?"
"It is your destiny."
"My what?"
"Come and sit. It's a long story."
Garret wasn't sure if he wanted to hear about it, but he sat down.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen...

was at once charmed and wary of the dark one's guesture. She was slightly annoyed by his reference to her tender years. It was hard enough proving her worth without men - of whatever nationality - calling her young to boot. She was curious about this one... his strange offer to the commander... the evil feel about him. She too glanced up at Karrack as if willing to follow his lead in this.

"Commander... I... I came her to get an audience with the King... I have word from the front... the evil horde is moving quite steadily and with this kingdom being it's clear destination..."

The Commander paused... he knew of the visitor the King currently had audience with and was not in any case in any position to accept or decline the Dark Elf's offer. Still, the fact that he was here was reason for great concern.

"Girl..." he addressed Vixen, who clearly bristled at this address... "the King is occupied and only takes audience with those who make proper appointment... as for you Karrack... what is your reason for being here?"

Vixen was surprised he wasn't questioning the strange Dark One... but she knew better than to mouth off at this moment. It took a great deal of self control to achieve this however.

 

[Moneytalks]

The King...

"A treaty... " he replied to Avallyn, "I will get my steward to write up the necessary documents... we will discuss the details over a meal perhaps? Tonight? Clearly you have travelled hard, the least I can offer you after such good news is a meal for yourself and any fellow travellers?"

He called for the steward who minutes later entered the rooms.

"Prepare to write a treaty steward... it would seem our prayers have been answered... the Amazon's themselves offer to fight with us..." he proclaimed. The steward couldn't help but gawk at the woman standing with the King. She was indeed stunning. The King looked at him and he suddenly came to his senses.

"Oh yes Majesty... at once..." he bowed out, his head low as he backed out of the room.

The chamberlain entered the room soon after announcing the royal dinner was being served. The King offered his arm to Avallyn to escort her to the banquet hall. "M'Lady Avallyn, if you would honour me with the pleasure of your company?"

 

[Roland Gilliad]

To the Castles barricks....

*After finally finishing his goblet of wine, and his horse had rested for a small time, he remounted and turned towards the castle, without a single regard for anyone around him he took off, knocking a few vendors down in the process, his eyes glinting quietly as he sped towards the Barricks and the castle, Riding hard and fast as usual, his eyes squinted ahead as he saw to the gates, guarded of course, but then again, guards never stopped him from getting into anywhere else, and if these people wanted the Blessings of the woodlands they wouldnt try to stop him, he rode on, seeing the bewildered looks on the faces of the guards, he rode past them with a gust of air and a Giant woosh, he huddled near his horse riding faster, his bright emeraldine eyes glowing with a hidden power, one that very few had seen and lived to tell the tale...*

*At long last he was at the Barricks, from where he knew the call had come, his eyes drifted to the castle as he heard the dinner bell ring, he decided upon reflection that a bit of intelligence would be in order, He would need to tip the scales in his and his peoples favour, otherwise he would be doing himself and them a disservice, with the barest of mutters he was now clad in pure black, as he slipped along the shadows, and climbed a sheer wall, coming to stop near a window where his trained ears listened into the dining room, waiting for whatever information he could gain...*

 

[Citizen X]

IC: While Vixen was thinking of this strange men standing before her, he suddenly seemed to loose contact to his environment. He simply stood there and glanced at the leaving warrior. The he whispered something and the Crow left his shoulder and flew away. From one second to the other, the stranger came back to live. He observed the face of the sergeant. Then he turned around and adressed Vixen and Karrack.

"It is time to ask someone with the power to decide something. It is obvious that our old sergeant over here can't do anything for us so I will ask someone who can."

The sergeant looked emberassed and angry but he knew better then to say a word. From one second to the other, the stranger seemed to be away another time. His eyes looked like they were watching directly into the strangers brain. He was very concentrated and didn't recognize anything around him.

Meanwhile, the crow had flown through the sky on their way to follow this black robed stranger who just left the barricks. It flew around not being noticed by this man. when he positioned himself on the window to spy, his ears heard some wings flatter. He looked up to see the crow heading towards him and landing on his left shoulder. It looked straight in his eyes as if it wanted to say, that there is no danger for him. It turned around and both widnessed the beginning of the dinner.

The stranger closed his eyes and seconds later opened them again. He threw a glance at Vixen and Karrack, turned around and left the room. On his way out, he mumbled:

"Better come with me. I know where to go."

Then he left without looking back and headed for the Castle.

 

[Lady_Siren]

Avallyn smiled charmingly at the king as she accepted his offer. "It would be a pleasure to be escorted by you Majesty. If you don't mind me asking what is your real name?"

 

[Darklord]

Randel

Rolling his shoulders in relief, Randel left the castle proper and was headed towards his barracks looking forward to a hot drink and some time to look over some reports before heading home to pack for some time.

Walking up to the barracks doors he saw the bewildered expressions on the guards faces and wondered about that. When he entered the barracks itself and saw the expression on the face of the seargant there he began to wonder quite a bit about why they all looked so.... scared? Walking to his offices he heard people speaking to each other. "Oh gods," he thought "Not some more people wanting to meet the King! Hmm.. sounds like Commander Hale is not doing to well..." just then the stranger made a comment about leaving.. "Time to make an appearance obviously..." he thought as he straightened his cloak and opened the door to an interesting tableau.

To his right stood Karrack, a friend and affectionently called "The Little Giant" by the troops. At his side stood a very handsome woman, just short of being considered by many to be pretty. Just past them stood the Senior Seargant and Commander Hale. To his left stood a very tall man who looked to be a Ranger of some sort. And in front of him... "Holy Tits of Tella! You have a lot of balls to be back in my office again." he shouted as he saw the dark cloaked stranger. Then laughing he walked forward and hugged him.

 

[Darklord]

Karrack

Karrack wasn't surprised to much by what was happening in Randel's office, afterall, when you live as long as giants do you learn to not rush around or worry to much. The Elf's offer of help was intriguing and a little mysterious, and his Raven had a look about him that seemed to give off a sense of... intelligence. When he had come over to talk to him and Vixen he was definently intrigued. When he spoke to the commander in a very personal way he was interested to know their history. But the thing that got him the most was that he spoke to Vixen in a very insulting tone. He knew he was young, but thats in giant years. Vixen though was considered among humans to be an adult. Rumbling a little at the elf's suggestion to leave he stood up with vixen shielding her a little from the view of the elf.

Just then Lord Randel burst in and things got even more cramped in the office. Looking down at Vixen in surprise they watched as Randel embraced the stranger. Then speaking for him in a whisper he said "Well Vixen, I've got a feeling theres a hell of a lot more going on here than meets our eyes. I'll tell you now though, I've got a gut feeling that we need to keep our eyes on the Dark Elf from now on." then straighting up he waited for Randel and the stranger to finish catching up.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen...

Vixen nodded in agreement, thankful for the moment that Karrack was on her side. She disliked being in enclosed areas at the best of times. She felt... cornered... not something she enjoyed. The sooner she gave her message to the King the sooner she could get out of this castle and on with her life. She was beginning to feel like a part of something she didn't necessarily want to be a part of.

She too waited to see what would happen next, content for the moment to watch and wait.

 

[Moneytalks]

The King...

Kelwyn, King and ruler of the Kingdom of Telerast stopped in surprise at Avallyn's question. He had been about to seat her at the grand banquet table when he paused and threw back his head. He laughed out loud for the first time in months.

"M'Lady Avallyn, 'tis true you are a salve to any one man's ego..." he smiled down at her with real warmth in his eyes, "my name is Kelwyn, though in truth I hear it rarely spoken these days since I've come to rule in my father's place. It means 'from the narrow river', I believe... and it would be an honour M'Lady Avallyn if you would use it to address me... I tire of hearing myself referred to as Majesty... and I would like us to be friends... after all, we are about to become partners in a way..." he smiled again making sure she was comfortably seated before taking the place next to her.

Two servants brought in the meal. It wasn't lavish. Clearly the King hadn't kept back funds to keep himself well fed. The food was well cooked but simple fare. A juicy bone of meat with the flesh tender and near falling off the bone, soft fluffy bread warm from the oven, some vegetables lightly cooked in a thin broth. Kelwyn himself served Avallyn a bowl of the broth and he indicated she should feel free to help herself to the other food available on the table.

A jug of sweet fragrant wine and another of water fresh from the river itself was also brought to the table with goblets.

"M'Lady Avallyn..." he picked up a goblet of wine and lifted it to toast her... "a toast to the beauty and strength I see before me, and the future victory I am sure our two Kingdoms will accomplish together..."

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*his eyes went alight! ah so the amazons had made their move...as The high Priestesses had predicted they would, Very inresting, was it yet in his best intrest to interrupt? he thought quickly, and decided to not yet interrupt, he licked his dry lips, and hauled himself into a proper position, he was ready to drop right next to the throne when they were done with the toast, if this was offical, it would make his job a slight easyer, He waited patiently, glancing breifly at the rapidly decending sun, he knew all too well that in a minute he would be visable, but he waited just long enough for the toast to be made, then with one swift movement, he was through the window, and landed deftly on the ground, cloak swept back, one well tanned arm behind him*

Lord Kelwyn I presume? I am Lothander of the United order of the Druid....I bring....a proposition from the Children of Tempus...

 

[poohlive]

Garret walked through the door, looking outside. The gray horse stood thre, awaiting the adventure. Garret paused, looking back at his grandfather.
"You must tell no one, many people would kill you if they knew your secret."
Garret grabbed his knapsack, turning back to the old man.
"How am I supposed to fight an army of creatures all by myself?"
"Don't worry, you'll meet allies on the way, I'm sure of that."
Quickly, Garret checked the saddled bags. Food for at least a month, clothes, sleeping gear, everything ready for a war.
"Oh, don't forget these, a special present."
A pair of decorated throwing knives was handed to him. It was wrapped up neatly.
"Are these for me?"
"No, but you'll know who they're for."
Garret quickly got up on the horse, looking at the path he had passed. Find allies, defeat the evil army, and somehow live through the entire process.
"Remember, don't tell a soul. Your life is already in danger."
"Thanks Grandpa, I hope to see you again sometime."
They exchanged goodbyes before he finally left. It was a beautiful afternoon that transversed in a lovely evening. His mind wasn't occupied on the setting though, it was in what Grandpa had said. It was just unbelievable. Honestly, how could one kid be the...
"Halt."
Garret looked up. Two dwarves each held up bows straight at him.
"Get off the horse."
That certainly was quick, wasn't it. Barely a day and he was caught by the enemy already. Shrugging, Garret got off the horse, holding his hands up. One of the dwarves quickly searched through his things.
"He hasn't been out long, maybe less than a day," The one said.
"Send a team out, we could find others."
Garret shook his head, "There are no others I have a small cabin west of here. I was just going to visit... my.... grandfather."
"Shut up," The dwarf kicked him. Garret winced at the pain. Damn little bearded asshole.
"Where's your cabin?"
"North of here," he pointed to the exact opposite of where he had come from.
"Take him back to camp. I'll see if there are any others."
Garret argued, "There are no oth..."
The dwarf kicked again, but this time Garret was ready for him. In an instant his sword was unsheathed and he plowed it deep into the dwarf's chest. The other one had a feeling of mere surprise, he didn't waste any time cocking the bow at his side though. It was too late, Garret ran him down as easy as the first.
Cleaning his sword, he got up onto the horse and mad a wild dash into the underbrush. Talk of camp had scared him, and he wouldn't take any chances to have more of those rodents at his heels. They were going to declare war on humans, fine.
Humans would just have to declare war back.
Night was falling.

 

[Citizen X]

Randall stopped hugging the stranger who had a big smile on his face. He glanced at Randall and said:

"Obviously there is someone who has authority around this lousy town. I'm surprised and pleased to meet you here. You seem to have gotten up the ladder. Last time you was a sergeant if I remember right."

The stranger seemed to remember something, but it looked a little strange because he was mentally abscent. Then with a sudden, he shrugged his shoulders and said:

"We'll better go now. There's someone entered the palace without your man noticing it. He's with the king and his guest who looks like an amazon queen I recently saw coming to town."

He asked the others to follow and left the barracks heading for the castle. On his way to the castle, he didn't look back because he knew the others would follow. Halfway to the castle, the crow flew over his head and seconds later landed at his left shoulder. The stranger stould still for a moment and then walked on. After a few steps, the crow took off and flew away heading out of the town.

 

[Lady_Siren]

Avallyn was having a nice conversation with the king when a stranger lept through the window. Her two gaurds who were also seated at the table, or rather near it were on their feet ready to defend their Queen if the need arose. Motioning them to relax she looked curiously at the stranger then at the king. A druid? She had met a few of those before, a few actually visited her palace quite often. She had never seen this one before. Leaning back in her chair she waited for the kings reaction.

 

[Moneytalks]

King Kelwyn...

The King's own guards were also heard to draw swords but the King held up his hand easily holding them back.

He looked over the Druid curiously.

"Lord Lothander," he nodded regally, "what is the proposition you bring me from the Children of Tempus?"

Just then the doors to the North of the banquet room burst open and several strangers attempted entry. This time the King's guards were on the alert and swords were brandished effectively halting their entry.

Now the King stood up and walked over to the Lady Avallyn. He offered her his hand and walked her over to her own two guards before turning to nod at the guards to allow these new comers entry.

He addressed the man in the dark clothing who seemed to lead the others.

"Please state your business Sir..." his eyes narrowed as he looked the man over. His gaze also skimmed over the others following and he looked intrigued by Lord Randall's arrival.

"Lord Randall... do you know these people?"

 

[Darklord]

Randall

Randall sighed and smiling slightly at the group came forward and placing his fist over his heart bowed to Kelwyn. "Aye my lord. I bring with me Karrack son of Titanus the Giant King, Vixen an adventurer, Lothander whom you have met in his spirit form (gesturing to the figure next to Kelwyn), and this gentleman here whom knows Lothander though I never did catch his name. Karrack here says that his friend lady Vixen has some information that may be of some assistance to us. I believe his word for the truth of her words since he has earned my respect and admiration in many battles." and at these words he stepped back to let the others greet the last King of mankind.

 

[Darklord]

Karrack

When they had entered the King's dining room to drawn swords by the guards, he had placed one hand on his massive sword and the other on Vixen's shoulder to communicate with her through the pressure of his hand their course of action in a possible fight, this form of talking having been honed in several years of adventures together.

When Randall had spoken on their behalf he squeezed her shoulder gently, and let go of his sword. Stepping forward he bowed to the king in the manner in which one does to an equal and straighting up spoke. "My lord, I cannot speak for my clan nor my tribe since I am considered by many of them a dangerous and foolish child by their standards. But the information my companion (here he held out his hand for Vixen to take and escorted her forward when she had done so) here has may change that situation quite soon. I myself stand ready to do what is needed to safeguard your kingdom and what she nows may bring my clan and tribe in on your side. But it is up to you whether or not to believe her." and after having spoken he stepped behind Vixen and placed his hands on her shoulders as a sign of faith in her, and a way to let her know his opnion about how the talk would go.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*As he surveyed the room, his dark emerald eyes glowing with anticipation, he flung his cloak around and walked forward with a roll of parchment, The Seal of The Druids Grove Etched in Wax upon it he broke the seal and handed it to him*

It pleases me to see the Druids Grove is not alone in supporting the King....We offer a Standard Treaty of Alliance...You will have safe passage through our lands so long as we have it through yours. We will support your forces fully in the oncoming battle, and I have personally been sent to aid, I have Comanded the defence of our grove in over thirty major Campaigns, We happen to be a hotbed of activity, due to our rather impressive Position, The grove itself is situated Just above the Emperors Pass, and we believe that our enemys will soon be using that as a means here. We are forging this alliance out of our usual protocall, due to the immensity of the situation. The druids normally would need no help from....*he seemed to scoff at their surroundings* City dwellers....But desperate times call for Desperate Measures. I am an accomplished General and Tactitian. I Assume you will find my services admerable. If you wish such an alliance, I Suggest you sign the treaty. For Time is always of the essence, and is somthing both of our homelands are running out of.

*he said this all very calmly, with a slight air of confidance, he refused to remove his cloak even if prompted, his eyes glowing maliciously at the first to suggest it*

 

[Moneytalks]

The King...

OOC: Are we all sure that I should be writing for the King? If anyone... particularly the thread starter Darklord... has any objections please tell me... also if they have any suggestions as the King would seem to hold a lot of power over the direction of the story at this point... please feel free to PM me... or email, whatever! [grins]

IN CHARACTER: King Kelwyn...

Kelwyn took pause. He felt he was truly being tested as the last known ruler of mankind today. He looked from Avallyn to Lothander and then to the small party introduced by Lord Randall.

"It would seem that today is truly a day for giving thanks, if what I hear is true, for today we seem close to forming two powerful allies in the Amazons and the Druids. I have always felt in my heart that these two cultures were closer to man-kind than any other fellow citizens of this great nation. It saddens me greatly that it took this war for us to finally form an alliance..." now he turned to Vixen who stood before him with the young giant Karrack firmly planted behind her, both hands resting on the young woman's shoulders. A clear sign of his opinion of this companion.

"M'Lady Vixen?" The King addressed her. She looked at him in a startled manner, managing a curtsey of sorts before quickly lowering her gaze and replying, "yes Majesty..."

The King smiled faintly at the top of her head, understandingly instantly her discomfort. He had seen this reaction to his title many times before.

"M'Lady Vixen... I believe you will find it much easier to tell me your news if you face me while you spoke?" He encouraged gently.

She looked up and regarded him carefully with her deep blue eyes. The King suddenly felt he was being examined by one who was capable of looking beyond the obvious. She suddenly smiled.

"Yes Majesty... I've come from the Baindrell Outpost, some 14 days ride South of here... I have seen first hand the aftermath of a most horrid slaughter. The few survivers speak of hordes unlike any seen before, but Majesty... not just one kind... indeed several breeds that were thought incapable of working together... Trolls, Orges... Majesty... there is an evil in the air unlike I have ever experienced and it is moving with precision towards your Kingdom. Smaller villages have already succumbed to near complete annihalation... there is a steadily growing panic among the people... they have no one to protect them and no where to run." She finished.

Kelwyn stood stunned listening to the woman's words, his mind begged to believe it wasn't true, yet her intensity bellied a passion that told him she spoke the truth. This along with Lord Randall's proclimation about Karrack... and in return Karrack's clear support of her... he could not deny that this horrible tale was anything but true.

"I had no idea... why wasn't word brought to me before this... Lord Randall... have you had any word... any thing at all? Is this horde coming from one direction or many? What are their exact numbers? Who is leading them?"

Vixen interrupted... "Majesty... from what I gathered... none have survived past raids... none at all... only now as they move onwards undettered are they getting lazy... I believe this is the only reason the few I was able to question lived. Even so... they barely lived long enough to speak of the horror before even they gave themselves up to the light..." Now even her face paled as she recalled even the aftermath of the slaughter.

The King turned to Lord Randall... "we need as much information as possible... I will not send our men out on some random search for an unknown quantity... already we are missing three scouting parties that were due to return or send word these last 5 days."

"M'Lord Lothander, M'Lady Avallyn... while my men gather more information... we must retire to my meeting rooms to finalize our treaties... my scribes have already written up a preliminary treaty for the Amazons... however your treaty..." he addressed Lothander... "we will have to look over before I can sign it M'Lord..."

 

[Citizen X]

The king wanted to leave the dining room, but out of a sudden, the mysterious stranger walked around the other people, took of his cloak and went right in his way. He made no attempt to bow before him but looked in his eyes. The king shuddered when he looked in the eyes of the stranger. They felt old and cruel. The king blinked and closed his eyes for a moment and then recognition overcame him. He knew this man. He was one of the five evil mages from ancient times. He was one of the five Masters of evil magic. Hadn't they all been killed more than hundred years ago? He shuddered again and thought of the stories his father and especially his grandfather told him when he was a child. It have been stories of the eternal war between the good and the evil and the name he remembered was always related to the evil. He whispered:

"Morsyth!"

The stranger bowed, but it rather looked like him making fun of the king and said:

"At your service, majesty. I didn't think you now my name."

The king glanced around to see where his guards were. They were all there, but no one of them moved. They all stared in the air seeming to be far away with their thoughts. The same was for Avallyns Guards. But all other persons could move but were that surprised that they simply watched the scene. The King felt uncomfortable and addressed Morsyth again.

"What do you want from me? Why have you come over?"

Morsyth paused some seconds to rise the tension. Then he answered.

"I know your problems with these creatures comming over and destroying your towns and villages, killing your people. You might wonder hearing me to say this, but the whole war to destroy man is wrong! This is not a fight between good and evil, this is something very strange even I don't know. But I believe, it's time to stop it right now. We have never been friends or allies, because I tend to live on my own. Yes, I usually help the evil powers in their eternal war, but this is not our war. I will join you and your forces, but I won't do it for free. I'm getting old and after this war, I'm going to settle down. My time ended a hundred years ago, when the other four mages died. I am powerful, but we were almost almighty. I am old and all I demand for my help is a little province out there. I want a small town and the surroundings. That is all I demand. That is very little compared to what I can give you and your troops. As you may have noticed, I could force you to do what I want, but I don't think it is necessary. Now, it's up to you, young man."

Morsyth turned around and glanced over to the others. He moved his right hand and suddenly a fireball appeared in it. He weighed it in his hands and threw it through the closed window. The window bursted into pieces and the fireball flew higher and higher into the air and hit something on its way up. It looked like a bird, but the way it screamed when it was falling to the ground burning, was not natural. It sounded evil and ghost like. Morsyth peeked over his shoulder and mumbled:

"I quess, you don't like enemy spies."

Then he stared out of the window awaiting the king to reply.

 

[Citizen X]

The king wanted to leave the dining room, but out of a sudden, the misterious stranger walked around the other people, took of his cloak and went right in his way. He made no attempt to bow before him but looked in his eyes. The king shuddered when he looked in the eyes of the stranger. They felt old and cruel. The king blinked and closed his eyes for a moment and then recognition overcame him. He knew this man. He was one of the five evil mages from ancient times. He was one of the five Masters of evil magic. Hadn't they all been killed more than hundred years ago? He shuddered again and thought of the stories his father and especially his grandfather told him when he was a child. It have been stories of the eternal war between the good and the evil and the name he remembered was always related to the evil. He whispered:

"Morsyth!"

The stranger bowed, but it rather looked like him making fun of the king and said:

"At your service, majesty. I didn't think you now my name."

The king glanced around to see where his guards were. They were all there, but no one of them moved. They all stared in the air seeming to be fa away with their thoughts. The same was for Avallyns Guards. But all other persons could move but were that surprised that they simply watched the scene. The King felt uncomfortable and addressed Morsyth again.

"What do you want from me? Why have you come over?"

Morsyth paused some seconds to rise the tension. The he answered.

"I know your problems with these creatures comming over and destroying your towns and villages, killing your people. You might wonder about this, but this is wrong! This is not a fight between good and evil, this is something very strange even I don't know. But I believe, it's time to stop it right now. We have never been friends or allies, because I tend to live on my own. Yes, I usually help the evil powers in their eternal war, but this is not our war. I will join you and your forces, but I wont do it for free. I'm getting old and after this war, I'm going to settle down. My time ended a hundred years ago, when the other four mages died. I am powerful, but we were almost almighty. I am old and all i demand for my help is a little province out there. I want a small town and the surroundings. That is all I demand. That is very little compared to what I can give you and your troops. As you may have noticed, I could force you to o what I want, but I don't think it is necessary. Now, it's up to you, young man."

Morsyth turned around and glanced over to the others. He moved his right hand and suddenly a fireball apeared in it. He weighed it in his hands and threw it through the closed window. The window bursted into pieces and the fireball flew higher and higher into the air and hit something on its way up. It looked like a bird, but the way it screamed when it was falling to the ground burning, was not natural. It sounded evil and ghost like. Morsyth peeked over his shoulder and mumbled:

"I quess, you don't like enemy spies."

Then he stared out of the window awaiting the king to reply.

 

[Lady_Siren]

Avallyn stood when the strangers burst through the door. Motioning her gaurds to calm she listened to Vixen's story. Having heard rumors she was not as shocked but still she shuddered. The King began to leave when the mysterious stranged stepped to the front of him. Frowning she felt an odd sense of recognition but she couldn't place it. She sensed evil from this man. For some reason however her mind seemed clouded. She struggled to stay concentrated and managed to succeed. Luckily the stranger wasn't focused on her or she would never have succeeded. Looking to Vixen and Karrack as well as Lord Lothander and Randall she wondered what was to be done about this stranger and what he wanted.

 

[poohlive]

"Welcome stranger," Garret's cloak was pulled over him. Only his hands could be seen, he had caked mud on them hours ago, to look more like that of an orc. In the poor firelight, he doubted if anyone looked too closely.
The orcs were all huddled around a fire, some of them had hoods, but most didn't. He tried to move closer to the ones who had them. Smiling, he got in an old chant the orcs were singing. It was in a language he had never heard before, but he sang it as good as he could.
He only knew a few orc words, but he really didn't have to talk. Most of the orcs were getting too drunk to care. They were nodding off to sleep, one by one. Soon, only him and another orc were awake.
"Bull tich?" He said, looking in Garret's direction. Garret shook his head, looking at the fire.
"Bull tich?" his voice was more authoritive now. Garret shook his head again, trying to ignore the thing. It stood up, and walked over to him.
"BULL TICH!!?!!"
Garret took off his hood, releasing the small dagger into the man's stomach.
"Goodnight," he whispered in the thing's ear as it fell to the ground. Garret worked quickly, stabbing each of the drunken orcs, it was easier than he thought. In less than an hour he was done. He made short work of the bodies, burying them shallowly, and trying to make the camp as nonexistant as possible.
He wiped the sweat from his brow as the sun showed signs of coming up. 18 down, a million to go.
Well, he had to start somewhere. They were all going east, heading towards some god awful place. He glanced to the east, what was over there that they could possibly...
"The castle, they want the castle."
He threw his robe down on the ground.
"What the FUCK is the king doing about all of this? Shit, I'm on my own out here."
Garret let the moment of persuasion pass him, he mounted his horse. He would need to find a safe place to sleep for the rest of the day, before he took on another group of creatures. All in a day's work.